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Residents urge Pinellas Park to fix unpaved stretch of 50 Second Street, cite safety and drainage concerns
Summary
Multiple residents told council members that a dirt segment of 50 Second Street has deep potholes, poor drainage and safety issues for children; city staff said they will check whether the road is public or private and follow up with homeowners on options including cost analysis and culverting/bridge work.
Residents who live along a disconnected, dirt segment of 50 Second Street told the City Council on April 10 that chronic potholes, standing water and mud have persisted for years and create safety and property‑damage concerns.
Michael Erland described the route and driving difficulties, saying the road “is dirty, it’s potholes, and dirt. When the wind blows, you know, everything's dirty.” Chrissy Wen and Katarzyna Capos, who said they have lived on the street for 21 years, said storms and the hurricane season make the area muddy and that neighbors have purchased gravel and patched holes themselves. “Every time it rains, it's getting deeper and deeper,” Wen said. Capos said the city previously told homeowners the road would be constructed after one or two houses were built; that did not happen and budget constraints were later cited.
City staff acknowledged the complaints and told residents the city would check property ownership and whether the road is private or public. The city suggested a cost analysis would be needed if the city were to construct a full connection, including “a culverting in and a bridge over it,” and asked the residents to provide contact information for follow‑up. City Manager Bart and other staff said they would share information and contact the residents.
Why it matters: Residents said the unpaved segment reduces safe access to homes, sends mud onto driveways and yards, and presents a hazard for children. Multiple residents described cameras and frequent fast‑moving vehicles; one resident noted small children play in the area.
Details and requests: Residents asked the city to consider paving the segment or at least blocking the through‑traffic that damages the road. Capos requested that the location be included in next year’s budget for construction if feasible. Council members encouraged residents to share phone numbers so staff could investigate.
Ending: City staff will follow up with the residents to determine ownership, confirm whether the road is private, and, if public, prepare a cost analysis of options such as culverting or a bridge; no formal council action was taken at the meeting.
